WASHINGTON: (CNN) U.S. Defense Secretary James Mattis, speaking in a separate interview with CNN on May 27, warned of "catastrophic" consequences if Israel commits to an all-out war against the Islamic Shiite group Hezbollah.The number of casualties is expected to be "on par with or above" the Gaza Strip, the Palestinian Authority said. "If there is an all-out war between Lebanon, Hezbollah and Israel, it will be devastating for both Lebanon and Israel," Austin told CNN.It is also expected that large numbers of people will be displaced and casualties will be on a scale equal to or greater than what we have witnessed in the Gaza strip," he said.
Austin reiterated the U.S.'s desire for a "diplomatic solution."He acknowledged that if Israeli forces invade Lebanon on the ground, it could lead to regional conflicts.
The U.S. and its key allies have said they have reached a 21-day cease-fire that would allow time for diplomacy and could stop an all-out war between Israel and Hezbollah.
But Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the news that the agreement was imminent as "inaccurate" and said he would continue to attack Hezbollah "with all his might."In a speech at the UN General Assembly on the morning of the 27th, he made clear his intention to continue military action and warned that "there is no place in Iran where Israel's long arms cannot reach."
U.S.-led efforts toward a ceasefire appear to have failed.CNN earlier reported that the Biden administration had almost halted efforts by Israel and the Islamic State group Hamas to reach a ceasefire and release hostages.
The recent clashes between Israel and Hezbollah have triggered Israel's official goal of returning displaced people who have been displaced from their homes near the northern border.Thousands of Israelis living in the area were forced to evacuate after Hezbollah began firing rockets shortly after the 10th terrorist attack last year by Hamas.Israel has launched a series of attacks in recent days targeting the Hezbollah leadership.A top Israeli military official said this week that it was preparing for a ground invasion of Lebanon.
worldnews24u.com
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